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Helsinki to St Petes - 6 days

VISA FREE RUSSIA TOUR! See the best of Helsinki's neo-classical architecture, art museums, markets and street fairs, before crossing the Gulf of Finland by ferry to St Petersburg - City of the Tsars, home to Peterhof and the stunning Hermitage collection at the Winter Palace on this 6 day tour.

Cross the Gulf of Finland by travelling on the Princess Anastasia ferry on the Baltic Sea

Day trip from St Petersburg - Discover two stunning Royal Residences of the Russian Tsars located on the outskirts of the city, including Peterhof Park (or Palace in winter months) and Catherine Palace.

Included

5 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Guided sightseeing tour of St Petersburg and day trip to Peterhof and Catherine Palace

Itinerary

Day 1

Helsinki

Wednesday. Welcome to Helsinki and the start of your holiday. Resting on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is both historic and modern. In contrast to the city’s 450 years of history, historic architecture and unique Finnish design, the beauty of the city blends seamlessly with high-tech achievements. It is here where old traditions mix with the latest contemporary trends. Arrive early as there is plenty to see and do! This evening you will need to make your way to the ferry port to board the Princess Anastasia ferry to begin your cruise of the Gulf of Finland to St Petersburg.Overnight: Princess Anastasia Ferry | Dinner

Day 2

Arrival in St Petersburg

Your ferry docks in St Petersburg this morning, but due to visa free restraints you must wait until after 14:00 to disembark the ferry. Enjoy the facilities on board the Princess Anastasia while you wait - grab a bite to eat, go for a swim or check out the casino! After disembarkation and a stamp in your passport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring the city at your own pace. Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast

Day 3

St Petersburg city tour

Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel this morning before taking you out on a sightseeing tour of this fascinating city. Your first stop will be the Peter and Paul Fortress, one of the oldest buildings in St Petersburg dating back to 1703. This fortress was once used as a political prison - containing the likes of Dostoevsky and Lenin’s older brother, Alexander. Within the fortress grounds we will also venture inside the SS Peter and Paul Cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Romanov family. Next up is the famous Church on Spilled Blood where you can marvel at its incredible mosaic interior before having a break for lunch.

Later enjoy a tour of the incredible Hermitage Collection at the Winter Palace. This former home of the Tsars now houses a collection of fine art, collected from the far reaches of the world. View masterpieces from throughout the ages and marvel at the lavish reception halls. After your city tour you're free to explore the city independently. Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast

Day 4

Day trip from St Petersburg

Today we step back in time with an excursion to two stunning Royal Residences of the Russian Tsars located on the outskirts of St Petersburg. Both palaces were destroyed during the war and have recently been restored. We start the day at Peterhof Palace - where we explore its beautiful gardens. Often referred to as Russia’s ‘Versailles’, the gardens of Peterhof are a wonderland of greenery and flowers, sweeping vistas and ornate architectural decorations. The real highlight are the spectacular gold fountains. During the winter months we will explore the interior of the palace as the gardens close.

After a break for lunch, continue on to the lavishly decorated Catherine Palace, best know for its legendary Amber room with its ornate mosaics. After a day exploring opulent gardens and palaces return to St Petersburg for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: St Petersburg | Breakfast

Day 5

Depart St Petersburg

This morning a transfer will take you back to the port where you begin embarkation and check-in at noon in order to fit within the visa free restrictions of your trip. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your cabin before the departure of the Princess Anastasia ferry in the early evening. Overnight: Princess Anastasia Ferry | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Helsinki

Monday. An early morning arrival will bring you back to Helsinki. After disembarkation and immigration your tour comes to an end. In Helsinki, everything is nearby, it’s a pocket-sized metropolis easily explored on foot. Today you could opt to visit the Helsinki Cathedral with its rich architecture designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in neoclassical style, Suomenlinna Fortress with its old cannon and submarines, market stores and arty stalls - or perhaps have a coffee at Market Square followed by ice cream at Esplanade park.Breakfast

Visas & the Ferry

In light of the fact that you are arriving to Russia by ferry, are not staying for more than 72 hours and have a confirmed ferry ticket for your departure, you are not required to obtain a Russian Tourisit Visa to enter the country. Not having to obtain a Russian visa saves most nationalities more than $150 in visa costs. A tourist visa for Finland is required though for most nationalities it is offered free of charge. Please check with your nearest embassy for more information.

This tour includes two overnight journeys on board the Princess Anastasia ferry travelling between Helsinki and St Petersburg. On the ferry we reserve comfortable private 2-berth or 4-berth air conditioned inside cabins, equipped with an en suite bathroom and freshly laundered bed linen.

Prices & Dates

This tour departs every Wednesday from Helsinki from April to December 2017. Prices shown are per person travelling based upon 2 people sharing a twin/double hotel room in low season. On the ferry the price is based upon 2-berth private cabins. Therefore if you are travelling by yourself you will be required to pay the single supplement.

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change or delay your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time.

This tour departs every Wednesday from Helsinki from April to December 2017. Prices shown are per person travelling based upon 2 people sharing a twin/double hotel room in low season. On the ferry the price is based upon 2-berth private cabins. Therefore if you are travelling by yourself you will be required to pay the single supplement.

This tour is semi-independent in style, i.e. it is not escorted by a tour leader or guide. Guided sightseeing is included as part of your arrangements on days 3 & 4, at all other times free time is offered.

The 'Single supplement' applies to solo travellers who require a single hotel room and private cabin on the ferry and needs to be added to the 'Per Person' price. Private 4-berth cabins are available upon request, please contact us for rates.

Independent

Tailored To Suit You

On this range you won’t be joining other travellers, but will be on your own private itinerary. Accommodation, pace of travel and the style of trip is tailored to your individual needs. From pre-priced packages available off the shelf to fully curated tailor-made holidays, this range also includes our selection of one-night stopovers, day-tours and short breaks.

The Independent range gives you all the great service aspects of our Signature range with the flexibility to create a truly unique and bespoke holiday or adventure to a variety of destinations around the world.

Guaranteed Departures

This tour is 100% guaranteed to depart with travellers.

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